Scene on Radio
Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University
Scene on Radio is a two-time Peabody-nominated podcast that dares to ask big, hard questions about who we are—really—and how we got this way. Our latest is Season 7, Scene on Radio: Capitalism. Previous series include Seeing White (Season 2), looking at the roots and meaning of white supremacy; MEN (Season 3), on patriarchy and its history; The Land That Never Has Been Yet (Season 4), exploring democracy in the U.S. and why we don’t have more of it; The Repair (Season 5), on the cultural roots of the climate crisis; and Season 6, Echoes of a Coup, the story of the only successful coup d'etat in U.S. history, in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1898. Produced and hosted by John Biewen, with collaborators, Scene on Radio comes from the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University. The show is distributed by PRX.
Episodes
Mentioned books
48 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 55min
S7 E10: The Extracted
Ugochi Anyaka-Oluigbo, a Nigerian reporter now living in Europe, and Loretta Williams, a seasoned writer and story editor, dive deep into the cocoa trade's legacy. They explore the enduring impact of colonialism on modern capitalism, revealing stark economic disparities. Personal stories illustrate the harrowing realities of migration and the quest for fair compensation among cocoa farmers. The discussion highlights the challenges of climate change and the complexities of migration, urging listeners to rethink ethical consumption in today's world.
80 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 3min
S7 E9: At the Tipping Point
Katy Shields, a reporter and producer of the 'Tipping Point' series, teams up with Vegard Beyer, a communications strategist and co-producer, to delve into the seminal work of Donella Meadows and her MIT team. They explore the warnings from 'The Limits to Growth' about the consequences of endless economic growth on a finite planet. The discussion touches on the historical backlash the study faced, the urgent need for sustainable practices, and innovative concepts like 'donut economics' to challenge entrenched economic paradigms.
26 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 45min
S7 E8: The People's Pushback
In a thought-provoking discussion, Esteban Kelly, an economic justice advocate, joins Josh Bivens, an economist, Malaika Jibali, a social activist, and cultural commentator Evan Caldwell. They explore the disillusionment of younger generations with capitalism, sparked by the 2008 financial crisis. The group reflects on pivotal moments like the Battle in Seattle and the rise of Occupy Wall Street, highlighting grassroots movements that challenge economic inequities. They also discuss the need for exploring alternatives to capitalism.
75 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 58min
S7 E7: Gilded Age 2.0
Nancy MacLean, a historian focused on democracy and economic inequality, joins Edward Balleisen, an expert in regulation history, economist Brad DeLong, corporate responsibility advocate Marjorie Kelly, and policy analyst Oren Cass. They unravel how neoliberalism has shaped the perception of a rigged economy, dissecting its origins and Reagan's lasting legacy. The discussion explores labor disparities, financialization's role in wealth inequality, and the impact of globalization on American jobs, uncovering the complex threads of economic dissatisfaction in contemporary society.
47 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 50min
S7 E6: Thirty Glorious Years
Author and historian Eric Rauchway and economist Brad DeLong delve into the nuanced history of capitalism post-World War II, discussing the shift in power balance, the '30 glorious years' of prosperity, and the influence of various individuals on shaping the economic system. They explore topics such as stock speculation in the 1920s, the impacts of the Great Depression, and the fall of the Iron Curtain on economies and ideologies. The podcast highlights the complexities of capitalism, labor income distribution, and the importance of societal considerations in economic systems.
71 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 50min
S7 E5: A New Thing in Human History
Experts in American history, economics, and the impact of capitalism discuss the rise of a new capitalist order in the United States. They explore how the country overtook its parent in wealth, the economic motivations of the American Revolution, the ruthless capitalists of the Gilded Age, the accelerated rate of technological progress, and the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society.
72 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 58min
S7 E4: Invisible Hand Guy?
Discover the historical roots of capitalism through Enlightenment thinkers like Spinoza and Smith. Explore the shift in mindset towards wealth accumulation, liberalism, and democracy. Unveil Adam Smith's complex philosophy beyond the 'invisible hand,' advocating for fair markets and government intervention. Dive into the evolution of capitalism through firms and the dual nature of innovation and inequality.
61 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 52min
S7 E3: Ships, Swords, and Fences
Economic experts and historians discuss the origins of capitalism, from colonial conquest to the privatization of land in Europe. Topics include the Atlantic Slave Trade, racial capitalism, and peasant uprisings against forced land separation.
44 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 47min
S7 E2: BC: Before Capitalism
Guests Karen Dempsey, Ben Jervis, and Eleanor Janega discuss the transition from feudalism to capitalism in the British Isles of the Middle Ages. They explore topics like the origins of capitalism, life in medieval cities, London's prosperity in the 14th century, the Peasants' Revolt, and spending habits of the wealthy.
32 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 37min
S7 E1: Market Failure
Guests John Fullerton, Cassandra Brooks, and Charlene Brooks discuss the flaws of capitalism, emphasizing the need for economic transformation to align with values and address inequality. Topics include challenges in the childcare industry, market failures in essential services, and the impact of capitalism on race, gender, and the environment.
